x
Breaking News
More () »

House explodes in Vermilion after vehicle crashes into gas meter; suspect arrested

The driver is accused of fleeing the scene.

VERMILION, Ohio — A house explosion in Vermilion is being blamed on a hit-and-run crash in which authorities say a driver went off the road and struck a gas meter.

It happened early Thursday morning in the 15300 block of Darrow Road. A deputy responding to the crash was there when the explosion took place.

Credit: Shane Snider, WKYC

Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth tells WKYC the explosion was so fierce that it knocked the deputy off his feet and blew out his car windows. He was treated and released at a nearby hospital.

The occupants of the house were able to get out unharmed, as were their two Mastiff dogs, who they believe ran off but were both later found alive.

Credit: Chris Tye, WKYC

A suspect, 56-year-old Kenneth E. Karnow, has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

Credit: Erie Co. Sheriff

We will update this story with more information as soon as it becomes available.

Credit: Shane Snider, WKYC

Before You Leave, Check This Out